State troopers sent to gas stations along Parkway, Turnpike to keep order

By michael linhorst

state house bureau |

The Record

State Troopers are being positioned at Turnpike and Garden State Parkway gas stations and on some barrier islands to maintain safety, state officials announced today.

At the service area gas stations along the Turnpike and Parkway, troopers will be keeping the peace as frustrated motorists angle for a limited fuel supply. Since Hurricane Sandy hit Monday night, some stations have been out of power and unable to pump their gas, while others have run out.

New Jerseyans around the state are facing long lines at the limited number of gas stations that have both fuel and electricity.

As power is restored, more gas stations are expected to open for business. Two hundred barges will also soon arrive in the area to deliver emergency supplies of fuel, according to New York state's Director of Operations.

The troopers deployed to barrier islands will help local law enforcement protect property against looting while the islands remain evacuated of their residents. They will also help with rescue and recovery operations as needed, the governor’s office said.

As of yesterday evening, there were no reports of looting in New Jersey, Attorney General Jeff Chiesa said at an evening press conference at State Police headquarters.

“We want those hardest hit by Sandy to know that there is an increased police presence in these Shore communities and that we will be vigilant with respect to their homes and businesses while they are forced to remain inland for their safety,” Chiesa said in a statement today.

People who witness potential looting should call 911 and not approach the thieves, the governor’s office said.

Residents of some barrier islands are beginning to return. Governor Christie rescinded his mandatory evacuation order for Brigantine Beach, Margate City and Longport Borough today – three barrier island communities near Atlantic City. Those towns will have a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Christie’s office said. The mandatory evacuation order for Atlantic City remains in place.

Cars line the shoulder of the Parkway south heading into the Brookdale Service Plaza.

State troopers sent to gas stations along Parkway, Turnpike to keep order

Cars line the shoulder of the Parkway south heading into the Brookdale Service Plaza.

By michael linhorst

state house bureau |

The Record

State Troopers are being positioned at Turnpike and Garden State Parkway gas stations and on some barrier islands to maintain safety, state officials announced today.

At the service area gas stations along the Turnpike and Parkway, troopers will be keeping the peace as frustrated motorists angle for a limited fuel supply. Since Hurricane Sandy hit Monday night, some stations have been out of power and unable to pump their gas, while others have run out.

New Jerseyans around the state are facing long lines at the limited number of gas stations that have both fuel and electricity.

As power is restored, more gas stations are expected to open for business. Two hundred barges will also soon arrive in the area to deliver emergency supplies of fuel, according to New York state's Director of Operations.

The troopers deployed to barrier islands will help local law enforcement protect property against looting while the islands remain evacuated of their residents. They will also help with rescue and recovery operations as needed, the governor’s office said.

As of yesterday evening, there were no reports of looting in New Jersey, Attorney General Jeff Chiesa said at an evening press conference at State Police headquarters.

“We want those hardest hit by Sandy to know that there is an increased police presence in these Shore communities and that we will be vigilant with respect to their homes and businesses while they are forced to remain inland for their safety,” Chiesa said in a statement today.

People who witness potential looting should call 911 and not approach the thieves, the governor’s office said.

Residents of some barrier islands are beginning to return. Governor Christie rescinded his mandatory evacuation order for Brigantine Beach, Margate City and Longport Borough today – three barrier island communities near Atlantic City. Those towns will have a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Christie’s office said. The mandatory evacuation order for Atlantic City remains in place.